Make-up holder/travel kit

ABSTRACT

The Make-Up Holder/Travel Kit is a new invention that is made of durable fabric on the front of the product, with pockets made of the same fabric. The backing is made of a cotton material. By design, the unit can be transformed into a self-contained traveling unit. We have invented and designed a product that: 1. Holds make-up supplies and various other toiletries in pocketed compartments 2. Is adjustable and can be worn around the neck during the application process 3. Can be hung on standard bedroom and bathroom door knobs, until needed 4. Converts into a self-contained travel kit 5. Reduces the mess and spills normally found when using traditional make-up pouches 6. Allows consumers to wear the unit and move about freely from room to room when necessary The Make-Up Holder/Travel Kit is a product that is used to conveniently hold make up supplies and other light weight toiletries in one single unit. The kit was also designed to hold these and various other supplies on the body unit with three adjustable snaps at the neckline. Our unit was specifically designed to permit the user to keep a fair amount of their make-up supplies in one location, and hung on a standard coat hook, bedroom or bathroom door knob until ready to use. While supplies are placed in the durable pocketed pouches, the unit can be transformed into a self-contained travel kit for quick and easy packing in a suitcase.

CROSS REFERENCE

Design Patent Applied for July 2005

The Make-Up Holder/Travel Kit can be crossed referenced with a Design Patent Application, and was submitted to the Patent Office simultaneously with the Utility Patent Application. The names of the inventor's on the Design Patent are as follows: Rochelle Yvonne Mesa-Magee, Brian Christopher Mesa, Victor Renée Mesa, and Amethyst DaVonne-Marie Magee.

FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

N/A

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I began developing the self-contained make-up holder/travel kit in the latter part of 1999; during a period when our family lived overseas. As a direct result of my need to protect my new, culturally specific clothing—during the make-up application and removal process, and to make traveling back home each summer, with make-up supplies and other toiletries conveniently packed, the demand to create a one-piece ensemble was set in motion. The base is liken to an apron and an oversized infant bib combined. Early on I created several papered patterns and ended with a cardboard one. The front and back of the make-up holder/travel kit is made with this same cardboard pattern and sewn together.

In February 2002 we were living back in the States and began formulizing designs to meet my needs. With some careful consideration and countless trips to hobby shops and fabric stores, my children and I finally created a product that encompassed everything I wanted. I used each design as often as I traveled, refined and redesigned them. Identifying multiple uses for the make-up holder/travel kit, such as using it to wipe mistakes on it, was accidental, and became a part of one of the benefits of owning this product, because it eliminates the need to repurchase traditional plastic and cloth-type make-up bags because this product is re-usable, washable and durable.

My daughter was the first to introduce using durable fabrics so that it would hang on my body properly, as well as adding lots of pockets to attract a teen market, while my eldest son worked on the business logo design and producing drawings for the product based on our vision. My youngest son found a way to move the pockets on the product base to improve the traveling aspect of the product, due to the length of the eye liner pencils and blush brushes. In addition his suggestions will undoubly allow me to expand on the types of fabrics that can be used and how to increase sales to peek the interest of the high-end income market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This design is a unique one in that, it is a single unit with permanently attached pockets on the front of the unit and permanently attached elastic straps on the rear. The unit can safely hold make-up supplies and various other small toiletries, sewing supplies, facial cleansing products, kitchen utensils, small mechanical tools and the like, in convenient stationary pockets, varying in number and sizes.

The make-up holder/travel kit can hold supplies and be worn about the neck and has three adjustable snaps, able to accommodate most neck sizes.

By using the make holder/travel kit, when not in use, consumers will be able to hang the unit on most standard bedroom or bathroom door knobs, as well as coat hooks and wall mounted hooks.

By securing all bottled caps, brushes and compact lids held in the make-up holder/travel kit, the user can ready the unit for traveling by folding the unit according to instructions, securing the elastic straps and storing in a suitcase for travel. Furthermore, we claim that the make-up holder/travel kit, as a single unit can move from door knob to the neck, to the suitcase, with ease, because supplies are held in the unit at all times.

By using the make-up holder/travel kit the unit reduces clutter, spills and powered messes normally associated with vanity tables and make-up pouches because the unit holds supplies in secured pockets thereby reducing supply movement.

The make-up holder/travel kit is a portable product that can be worn around the neck, allowing users to move about freely. In addition, the make-up holder/travel kit will protect clothing from the damage associated with powdered flake droppings onto clothing during the make-up application process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. I—illustrates the front view of the make-up holder/travel kit, with multiple pockets and an adjustable collar.

FIG. I—The ruffled trim on the kit vary in color and style and form a part of the claimed design thereof.

FIG. II—illustrates the rear view of the make-up holder/travel kit, and illustrates the travel capability of the apparatus with elastic straps. 2 elastic straps—each measure 6 inches in circumference.

FIG. III—illustrating the first step in the folding process, and is the aerial view of the make-up holder/travel kit thereof; and

FIG. IV—illustrating the second step in the folding process, and is the aerial view of the make-up holder/travel kit thereof; and

FIG. V—illustrating a completely folded kit, illustrating both elastic straps affixed, and necessary to transform the kit to traveling status, this figure is the aerial view of the make-up holder/travel kit thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. I is a frontal view of the make-up holder/travel kit. The measurements listed below describe the size and placement of individual pieces on the kit.

Supplies

-   -   1 pre-cut Front Panel—to create the curved bottom: fold the         panel vertically in half to ensure that both sides of your         finished product will be even. At the bottom's corner, measure         from the point at least 3 inches from the point upwards. Draw a         line across the panel and temporarily pin the panel in place. In         an effort to create the curved bottom-look, simply remove the         pointed portion of the panel by cutting the bottom of the panel         in a curved or somewhat rounded motion.     -   1 pre-cut Rear panel (contrasting color or any decorative         colored material). It is not necessary to cut the bottom curve         in this piece.     -   4 sets of Pre-cut Pre-pressed pockets:         -   Top pocket; Center pencil pocket; Bottom compact pocket; &             Bottom Center compartment     -   2.5 yards of ruffles (should match panel front)     -   2-6 inch elastic straps     -   3 sets of top-snap ensembles (color should match ruffles)     -   2 sets of bottom-snap ensembles     -   8 to 10 appliques—(Placement of the appliqués is heavily         dependent on personal taste and can be applied with clothing         glue once. To ensure that they stay attached over time and         during the wash cycle, appliqués can be sewn into place and         color coordinated with both the ruffles and snaps).

The Make-up Holder/Travel Kit front and rear panels are identically cut. One single piece is cut for the front and one for the rear of the kit.

The pattern used to make the panels measure 32 inches in length and 14 inches in 21. width.

The collar opening on the pattern measures 8 inches in length and 7 inches in width.

Collar—has 3 adjustable snaps and in the varying positions slightly alters the length of the make-up holder/travel kit:

Collar Opening Variation Measurements:

-   -   7 Inches—Holder's Length without trim @ 27″; w/trim 29½″     -   6 Inches—Holder's Length without trim @ 26″; w/trim 28½″     -   5 Inches—Holder's Length without trim @ 24½″; w/trim 27 inches

Top (4 Pockets)—Measurements: 1-11″×5″ cut piece of fabric

-   -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #1 @ 2½″×5″     -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #2 @ 3″×5″     -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #3 @ 3″×5″     -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #4 @ 2½″×5″

Middle (2 Pockets)—Measurements: 1-3¼×7½cut piece of fabric

-   -   Frontal view from top to bottom pocket, #1 @ 3¼″×1½″     -   Frontal view from top to bottom pocket, #2 @ 3¼″×1½″

Bottom (3 Pockets)—Measurements: 10¾″×5″ cut piece of fabric

-   -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #1 @ 3¼″×5″     -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #2 @ 4½″×5″ (seem hidden         by top pocket overlay)     -   Frontal view from left to right pocket, #3 @ 3″×5″

Bottom Center (1 Pocket)—centered on 3 pockets—Measurement

-   -   Frontal view 5″×4½″         Assembling the Kit:

1). Cut a rear panel and front panel. Set the rear panel aside for later attachment.

2). Cut out all of the pocket bases and make a fold approximately ⅝″ seem around the entire piece of fabric and iron the edges down (to make attaching pockets to the base easier and neater).

3). Top Pocket—Using the Front Panel—From the neck area of the base, measure approximately 1-inch down and pin the pre-ironed pocket down, ensuring that the top pocket is centered from the left of the base and the right of the base. Began sewing the outer edge of the pocket in place, starting at either side of the top comers, do not sew across the top portion of the pocket. To portion off the individual pocket pouches, follow the measurements for the top pocket above (024). However, the number of pockets is up to the individual. Remove pins when completed.

4). Center Pencil Pocket—Using the Front Panel—From the bottom seam of the newly attached top pocket, measure 1-inch down and place the pocket centered from the left and right onto the panel base. Pin the pocket in place then sew down to the base. Began sewing the outer edge of the pocket in place, starting at either side of the top corners, do not sew across the top portion of the pocket. Make one seam up the center of the pencil pocket or follow the measurements provided above (025). Remove pins when completed.

5). Bottom 3 Compartment Pocket—From the bottom seam of the newly sewn pencil pocket, measure 1-inch down and place the pocket centered from the left and right onto the panel base. Pin the pocket in place. Began sewing the outer edge of the pocket in place, starting at either side of the top corners, do not sew across the top portion of the pocket. Follow the measurements listed above to make individual pocket sizes (026). Remove pins when completed.

6). Bottom Single Compartment Pocket—To make the final bottom center pocket, measure from the top (not the bottom) of the last pocket sewn to the panel. This final pocket overlaps the center pocket formed in 032. Place the ironed single pocket ½-inch from the top of the centered pocket in 032. It should be aligned to sit in the center area of the already fixed center pocket in 032. Pin the pocket down. The seams to affix this last pocket should match the seams of the centered pocket in 032. Please be sure to remove all pins from the newly affixed pockets.

7). Cut at least 2.5 yard of ruffles and set aside. Lay panel down on a flat surface with the pockets facing up. Pinning the ruffles into place on the panel; begin pinning the ruffles at the tip of the collar and follow alongside the entire make-up holder/travel kit until you end up at the opposite side of the kit's neckline tip. The decorative side of the ruffles should be facing downward and the ruffled portion facing towards the pocketed area. The ruffles should follow along side the outer edges of the pocketed panel, around the outer collar area, and end up at the tip of the overlapping piece of the collar. Begin sewing the ruffles onto the base of the kit. Remove pins when completed. Set the pocketed base aside.

8). You will now need the rear single panel piece.

It is now time to attach the elastic straps to the rear panel: Get the 2-6 inch elastic straps—set one aside. Lay the flat rear panel piece down on a flat surface making sure that the panel collar faces the opposite direction of the newly pocketed front panel.

9). To assemble the first elastic strap—using the rear panel of the base, measure 5 inches from the left of the panel, then measure 11¾ inches from the bottom of the panel. Place the elastic straps vertically at the two meeting points. Pin the elastic strap vertically in place so that the two end pieces meet to form a complete circle. Make several horizontal stitches across the elastic straps ends which will ensure that the straps will not come a loose with frequent use. Repeat this process of sewing several horizontal stitches across the other end of the elastic strap making sure that both ends meet and create the circular shape.

10). To assemble the 2^(nd) elastic strap—measure 5 inches from the right of the panel, then measure 11¾ inches from the bottom of the panel. Place the elastic straps vertically at the two meeting places. Pin the elastic strap vertically in place so that the two end pieces meet to form a complete circle. Make several horizontal stitches across the elastic straps ensuring that the straps will not come undone with frequent use, also ensuring that it can withstand lots of pulling and stretching. Repeat this process of sewing several horizontal stitches across the other end of the elastic strap making sure that both ends meet to create the circular shape. Be sure to remove any pins used when application is completed.

11). It is now time to attach the back panel to the front panel: with the back panel piece—place the elastic straps downward and lay it onto the top panel. Make sure that the pocketed side is facing upward, and the elastic straps are facing the pocketed side. The ruffled edges should be facing inward towards the pockets. Pin the two panels together matching the collar pieces together first and ended with the bottom of the panels. It is not necessary that the bottoms match exactly. At this point, the pockets and elastic straps should be facing each other in the inside of the two pinned pieces. Begin sewing at the bottom center area of the two pinned panel pieces. The seam to apply the two pieces should be at least a ⅝ inch or ½ inch. It is best to begin sewing these two pieces together from the mid-section of the bottom half of the holder, ending up on the other side of the bottom half of the holder, but do not sew the entire unit closed. Be sure to leave a space large enough to put a normal sized fist into the opening.

12). Turn the make-up holder/travel kit right side out. Both the pockets and elastic straps should now be on the outside of the unit. To completely invert the collar piece, use a NEW long pencil eraser head. Feed the pencil head through the bottom opening and push the collar piece until fully extended.

13). Closing the bottom of the kit—tuck any loose pieces inward. Upon completing make-up holder/travel kit with the opening at the bottom, it is now time to invert the kit. The opening will be closed by hand stitching the opening closed.

14). Attaching the top snaps—there are 3 sets of snaps for the top collar closure and 2 sets of snaps for the bottom of the collar attachment. For the snaps that are to be affixed to the top portion of the collar, separate the bottom pieces from the top pieces. Use stud attachment equipment to attach all of the studs. To attach the 1^(st) decorative snap on the top of the collar; measure from the tip end of the long collar piece at least ½ inch from the tip of the collar. Center the stud as much as possible and affix with the stud attachment equipment. To attach the 2^(nd) decorative snap—measure from the 1^(st) attached decorative snap at least 1 inch apart and center onto the make-up/holder kit using the stud attachment equipment. To attach the 3^(rd) decorative snap—measure at least 1 inch apart from the 2^(nd) decorative snap and center onto the kit using the stud attachment equipment.

15). Attaching the bottom portion of the snaps—separate the bottom pieces from the top pieces in the 2 piece set. To attach the 1^(st) bottom snap to the bottom portion of the collar assembly, measure at least ½ inch from the tip and use the stud attachment equipment to affix to the unit. Repeat this process for the 2^(nd) snap by simply measuring 1 inch from the first snap, ensuring that you keep the snaps centered.

15). It is now time to apply the decorative appliqués. The number, sizes and colors of the appliqués you choose to attach to the kit is heavily dependent upon the color of the make-up holder/travel kit's base color and the color of the ruffles that were previously attached. The appliqués are arranged to fit the character of the kit which is based upon the overall color scheme. To attach the appliqués after they are arranged to your satisfaction, simply apply a small amount of fabric glue to the backside of the appliqué and press onto the kit holding it in place hold for a few minutes. Allow them to dry in place. After they have dried in place durability can be increased by simply tacking them down by hand sewing them to the make-up holder/travel kit.

The Make-Up Holder/Travel Kit is now ready for use.

FIG. I—The ruffled trim on the kit vary in color and style and form a part of the claimed design. Ruffles used as trim measure 2.5 yards and are sewn onto the kit with the ruffles facing inward towards the pockets. Begin sewing the ruffles onto the base of the kit starting at the tip of the curved collar. The ruffle will end at the tip end of the base near the collar.

FIG. II—illustrates the rear view of the make-up holder/travel kit, and illustrates the travel apparatus with 2 elastic straps; Elastic Straps—each measure 6 inches.

FIG. III—illustrating the first step in the folding process. To transform the make-up holder into a traveling kit, secure all bottled caps, eye liner, pencil caps and make-up compacts lids. Lay the holder, with supplies inside the kit by placing it on a flat surface. Snap at least two of the collar snaps into place and fold the top neck area down towards the center pocket area.

FIG. IV—illustrating the second step in the folding process. Fold the bottom of the kit upwards to cover the first folded piece. Firmly hold the kit on one side and pull one elastic strap over the two folded pieces. Repeat the last step using the 2^(nd) elastic strap. The kit is now ready to be tossed into a suitcase for travel.

FIG. VI—illustrating the third and final step of the process, and illustrates both elastic straps affixed, which is necessary to transform the kit to traveling status. 

1) It is the first of its kind because it allows the user to be mobile during the make-up application process. 2) The kit allows the consumer to compartmentalize supplies in a single unit. 3) When not in use, the kit can be hung on a door knob or hook for quick access. 4) The kit is washable, thereby reducing the need to repurchase new make up bags. 5) The kit reduces the familiar messiness associated with traditional make up bags because supplies are secured in individual pockets. 6) This style of make up holder is the only known kit that also transforms into a self contained travel kit. 7) We also claim that this is the first make-up holder/travel kit to be personalized and can be ordered in 12 colors with various decorative appliqués. 8) Furthermore, we claim that the make-up holder/travel kit protects clothing during the make-up application process. 9) We also claim that the make-up kit can be used to house items such as sewing supplies, small mechanic tools, kitchen utensils and other small craft-like items. 